Description
A bright and practical crochet bag made from colorful granny squares. This project involves creating a set of motifs, sewing them into a bag body, and adding sides and handles, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced crocheters.
Ingredients
- Red Heart® Super Saver® yarn in Aran
- Red Heart® Super Saver® yarn in Minty
- Red Heart® Super Saver® yarn in Shocking Pink
- Red Heart® Super Saver® yarn in Bright Yellow
- Crochet hook: U.S. I/9 (5.5 mm)
- Yarn needle for sewing squares together and weaving in ends
- Safety pins for holding pieces in position during assembly
Instructions
- Make the three square designs. Crochet six each of Square 1, Square 2, and Square 3. Follow the color plan provided for each square, and use the pattern’s row instructions to change colors in the correct places.
- Check the motifs as you go. After completing a few squares, compare them to make sure they are consistent in size and shape. If a motif looks noticeably larger or smaller than the others, check your tension and the stitch instructions before continuing. Matching motifs are easier to sew together.
- Arrange the squares for the bag body. Lay out the squares according to the full pattern’s assembly diagram or instructions. Check the color placement before joining; safety pins can hold neighboring squares together while you confirm the arrangement.
- Sew the squares together. Use the yarn needle to join the motifs into the bag body as directed in the pattern. Work carefully from one seam to the next, keeping the edges aligned. Avoid pulling the yarn so tightly that the seams pucker, or leaving them loose enough to gape.
- Crochet the top edges. Work the top-edge finishing specified in the pattern. This step helps prepare the body for the sides and handles. Follow its stitch and placement instructions closely; the supplied overview does not specify the number of stitches or rounds.
- Make the bag sides. Crochet the side pieces using the pattern’s directions. The available instructions do not include their dimensions, shaping, or stitch counts, so use the complete pattern rather than estimating these details.
- Join the sides to the body. Use safety pins to position each side before sewing or joining it in the manner the pattern specifies. Check that the edges meet evenly and that the bag body is not twisted. Secure the joins without drawing the fabric out of shape.
- Make and attach the handles. Crochet the handles as instructed, then sew them firmly onto the bag in the pattern’s placement. Before weaving in the final ends, check that both handles are level and securely fastened. A bag’s handles receive regular pulling, so neat, strong attachment is important.
- Finish the bag. Weave in loose ends securely on the wrong side, taking care not to pull the fabric out of shape. Look over the seams and handle attachments, then gently shape the bag and follow the yarn label’s care advice.
Notes
Follow the complete pattern closely for detailed stitch counts and dimensions. Use safety pins for better alignment during assembly, and check your tension for consistency.